Parks & Travel

Essential Travel Tips: Staying Prepared for the Unexpected

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's “Jo Goes Everywhere!” Podcast,  travel writer Jo Clark shares essential tips for road trippers, outdoor adventurers, and global travelers on how to stay safe and prepared for the unexpected.
From a sudden eye emergency while boating in the Azores to flight changes under pressure, Jo’s personal stories reveal why travel insurance and situational awareness are must-haves for every traveler and outdoor enthusiast. She and her co-host Lisa D. Smith discuss practical strategies for emergency planning, staying alert, and making smart travel choices — with a reminder that every misadventure can teach us something new about the world and ourselves.
🎧 New episodes air every 2nd Sunday at 7pm ET. Subscribe here: https://jogoeseverywhere.podbean.com/ 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Quality of Life" and "Vacation Station" podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Art, History & Honor: National Parks Arts Foundation

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show highlights the powerful connection between art, nature, and military history through the work of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF).
From painters and poets to filmmakers and chefs, the NPAF’s artist residency programs welcome diverse creatives into America’s national parks, where they interpret stories that honor veterans, women in military history, and the resilience of communities shaped by service and sacrifice.
This inspiring conversation with NPAF founder Tanya Ortega explores how art serves as a bridge between military history and public understanding, offering new ways to engage visitors, educate younger generations, and preserve the spirit of service within our shared landscapes. It also reflects on the foundation’s resilience through challenges like COVID-19 and government shutdowns, and the importance of storytelling, community, and education in keeping history alive.
🔗 Learn more and apply: https://nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ 
🎧 Listen & follow the show: https://arts-parks.podbean.com/ 
📚 Coming soon: Big Blend Radio’s NPAF Retrospective Digital Publication, celebrating almost a decade of creative collaborations in national parks.
In Honor of Military Family Month, this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Way Back When," "Toast to The Arts," "Parks & Travel," and "Big Daily Blend" Shows. 📲 Explore the Network of Podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

End-of-Year Experiences in California's Sequoia Country

From festive markets to winter hiking trails, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “California’s Sequoia Country” podcast highlights the many ways to enjoy Tulare County as the year winds down. Discover the region’s charming local events, culinary delights, and outdoor adventures that make this destination shine during the holiday season.
Featured guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council include:- Suzanne Bianco – Visit Visalia: https://www.visitvisalia.com/  - Donnette Silva Carter – Tulare Chamber of Commerce: https://www.tularechamber.org/  - Daniel Huecker – Sequoia Parks Conservancy: https://sequoiaparksconservancy.org/  - Alida Verduzco Silva – Tulare County Resource Management Agency: https://discovertularecounty.com/  
🎧 This conversation explores the shopping, seasonal events, and culinary experiences that make Tulare County and California’s Sequoia Country a vibrant end-of-year destination. From vendor fairs and local food trails to winter adventures and guided programs in the parks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plan your visit here: https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/ 
Takeaways:• Tulare County offers a wide variety of holiday shopping and craft markets.• Local eateries showcase flavors from tacos to Mediterranean fare.• Outdoor winter activities include hiking, snowshoeing, and stargazing.• Sequoia Parks Conservancy hosts guided hikes and astronomy programs.• The region celebrates its agricultural bounty and community traditions.
📡 This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s Parks & Travel, Vacation Station, and Big Daily Blend podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork  

Bavaria by River: Solo Adventures, History & Storybook Charm

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Wander the World with Sharon”, award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz takes us on a magical river cruise through storybook Bavaria. From historic cities to charming medieval villages, Sharon shares her solo travel experiences exploring this enchanting region of Germany.
Sharon discusses the rise of solo travel, especially among women, and the joys of unpacking her suitcase only once while discovering multiple destinations along the river. Highlights include the Chagall windows at St. Stephan’s Church, Nuremberg’s famous sausages, Bamberg’s smoked beer, Rothenburg’s Christmas store, and Bavaria’s exceptional local wines. The conversation also reflects on the importance of remembering history while embracing the present-day beauty and culture that Bavaria offers.
📝 Read Sharon’s full article:https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-solo-travelers-river-cruise-through-storybook-bavaria/ 
🌐 Learn more about Sharon K. Kurtz and her global adventures: https://sharonkkurtz.com 
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Parks & Travel, and Way Back When channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 
📅 Tune in on the first Wednesday of every month at 12pm CST:https://wandertheworldwithsharon.podbean.com 

Jim Hinckley on “Route 66 100 Years” – Celebrating the Mother Road’s Legacy

In this engaging episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Road Trip Radio," Route 66 expert and author Jim Hinckley takes us on a nostalgic and insightful journey down America’s most famous highway — the legendary Route 66, which is also part of the National Park Service. Jim’s latest book, “Route 66: 100 Years,” (Quarto, November 4, 2026) commemorates a century of this iconic road with stories, photographs, and essays that capture the spirit, history, and heart of “America’s Main Street.”
From the evolution of roadside attractions and the role of the military to the resurgence of road-tripping culture, Jim explores how Route 66 has become a living time capsule — connecting generations and travelers from around the world. He also shares insights on how to engage younger generations in preserving this enduring piece of Americana.
Learn more about Jim Hinckley and his work:- https://jimhinckleysamerica.com/ 
📘 "Route 66: 100 Years" takes readers state-by-state through the highway’s eight historic routes — from Illinois to California — featuring stunning imagery, memorabilia, maps, and essays by local experts. Get your kicks and your history fix with this must-have book for every traveler and road trip enthusiast! Check it out: https://www.quarto.com/books/9780760391488/route-66 
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Vacation Station," "Way Back When," "Parks & Travel," and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Discovering Saint John in New Brunswick: History, Culture and Natural Wonders

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Journey Jukebox" travel podcast, travel writer Lisa Evans takes listeners on an exploration of Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada’s first incorporated city. From its stunning Victorian architecture and vibrant Area 506 entertainment district—crafted from refurbished shipping containers—to the geological marvels of the Stonehammer Geopark and the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy, Saint John offers an unforgettable blend of history, innovation, and natural beauty.
The conversation also highlights the city’s British and French influences, the family-friendly educational experiences that travel provides, and the dynamic Canadian music scene that reflects the country’s cultural diversity. Whether you’re drawn to heritage, science, or the arts, Saint John is a destination that invites discovery.
🎵 Listen to the Journey Jukebox Spotify Playlist inspired by travel:👉 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7humUf03LIW04t8LiJSSN9?si=54c7630328284648 
🗺️ Lisa’s Saint John, New Brunswick Travel Articles:* Saint John: Canada’s First Incorporated City – https://www.travelworldmagazine.com/2023/09/st-john-new-brunswick-canada-first-incorporated-city * Exploration and Enlightenment in Saint John, New Brunswick – https://rovology.com/canada/exploration-and-enlightenment-in-saint-john-new-brunswick/ 
📚 Lisa Evans is the author of 100 Things to Do in Coastal Mississippi Before You Die🌐 https://writerlisa.com/ 🌐 https://www.gosmart.travel/advisors/lisa/evans 
📅 New episodes air every 3rd Tuesday at 12pm CST🎧 Listen & Subscribe: https://journeyjukebox.podbean.com/ 
✨ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Parks & Travel and Vacation Station podcast channels! Listen to more Big Blend Radio episodes: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Exploring Louisiana's Cajun Coast

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with IFWTWA, Allison Ledet from Cajun Coast Tourism shares insights about the unique attractions, natural beauty, and cultural heritage of Louisiana’s Cajun Coast. From bird watching and swamp tours to family-friendly Mardi Gras celebrations, ghost tours, and mouthwatering local cuisine, listeners are invited to discover a destination where history, culture, and nature come together.
🌐 Plan your Cajun Coast adventure at: https://cajuncoast.com/ 🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA at https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 🌐 Follow this podcast, also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Parks & Travel, and Way Back When channels: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m 

Exploring Grand County, Colorado: Nature, Wildlife and Mountain Charm

In this on-location episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel with Terri” Show, travel writer Terri Guthrie talks with Gaylene Ore, Executive Director of the Grand County Tourism Board, about the breathtaking beauty, outdoor adventures, and welcoming hospitality that make Grand County, Colorado such a special destination.
Recorded onsite at the historic Grand Lake Lodge, Terri shares highlights from her visit and her stay at both Grand Lake Lodge and Arapaho Valley Ranch — two distinctive and scenic accommodations that showcase the area’s mountain charm and serene lakeside atmosphere. The conversation explores fall foliage, wildlife sightings, and local cuisine, plus Terri reflects on the region’s strong sense of community and the joy of exploring Colorado’s mountain towns. Later in the show, her husband Ron Guthrie joins in to share some of his favorite experiences and discoveries from the trip.
Please note: this episode was recorded prior to the U.S. government shutdown. If you’re planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, please check the park’s website for the latest updates and entry details: https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm
Even if park access is limited, Grand County offers many other beautiful outdoor areas, mountain trails, and small towns to explore — from Grand Lake and Granby to Winter Park and beyond.
📍 Plan Your Colorado Getaway🌄 Visit Grand County Tourism: https://www.visitgrandcounty.com/ 🏨 Grand Lake Lodge: https://grandlakelodge.com/ 🏕️ Arapaho Valley Ranch: https://arapahovalleyranch.com/ 🌲 Rocky Mountain National Park Updates: https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm 🎧 Listen weekly: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ 
✨ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Nature Connection, and Parks & Travel podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork